To mark America Recycles Day last week, a number of area communities shared in $4.2 million in state grants to help communities improve recycling, composting and waste reduction programs.
Haverhill, received $31,500, while other grants went to Lawrence, $56,000; Methuen, $33,000; North Andover, $8,190; and Groveland, $1,260 through the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program, approved by the state Department of Environmental Protection.
“One of the most effective measures we can take to reduce the waste stream in communities across the Commonwealth is to support and encourage recycling, diversion and reuse of waste materials,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “With this funding, we are ensuring that local officials, residents and small business owners can adopt practices that protect our environment and preserve Massachusetts’ natural resources.”
This year, 265 communities qualified for the Recycling Dividends Program. Added this year was a condition that included diversity, equity and inclusion in trash and recycling programs. Reuse categories were also added that provided money for encouraging pilot deconstruction projects and single-use plastic bans. Curbside collection of food waste was also encouraged with additional money.
“The Sustainable Materials Recovery Program offers vital funding for recycling, composting, reuse and source-reduction activities that will reduce the amount of waste disposed in both landfills and incinerators,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “Importantly, waste prevention and recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions by capturing the embodied energy in every-day product and packaging waste and converting these sources into new products with a smaller carbon footprint.”